More than 50 people took advantage of free bicycle health checks in Ipswich town centre. The lunchtime activity, which took place on the Cornhill and outside the Buttermarket Shopping Centre, was organised by Suffolk County Council as part of National Bike Week.
Adrian Farthing, of Pedal Power in Martlesham (right) provided expert advice in Ipswich. He said: "Cycling is a great way to travel. It keeps you fit, is cheaper than joining a gym and is certainly enjoyable. More and more people seem to be seeing the cost benefits. It is cheaper and often just as quick to make a short journey by bicycle rather than by car in peak traffic times."
At Arc Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds bicycle performance artist Paddy Waters (left) entertained passers-by with stunts and tricks on his unique bike. Shoppers had the chance to enter a competition to win bikes and in some cases even join in the fun with the performer.
Ben Collins, Suffolk County Council Travel Plan Coordinator said: "The response was really encouraging. The bike health check events went extremely well and those who took advantage of the service were genuinely appreciative. Paddy Waters raised a few eyebrows with his amazing stunts and engaged with the public superbly! All the events helped raise the profile of National Bike Week in our region considerably."
Bike Week is the UK's largest mass participation cycling event and provides an annual opportunity to promote cycling as a source of fitness, fun and an alternative form of transport.
